Toronto, ON — Federal NDP leadership candidate Heather McPherson brought her message of unity and unapologetic progressivism to Toronto this week, laying out a vision to rebuild the party’s urban base and position the New Democrats as a winning political force once again.
Speaking during a campaign stop in downtown Toronto, the Edmonton Strathcona MP evoked a deeply personal image to describe her leadership philosophy. She recalled how her family would remove doors from their hinges and turn them into makeshift dinner tables during Christmas gatherings to ensure everyone had a seat. “That idea of finding space and finding places for everyone really resonated with me as I was thinking about putting a leadership bid together,” McPherson said. Her approach is as much about sitting at other people’s tables as inviting others to hers — a metaphor for her plan to bring Canadians together behind the NDP.
McPherson entered the race following the NDP’s poor showing in the 2025 federal election, which led to the resignation of Jagmeet Singh. Toronto, traditionally a strong base for the party, saw NDP support collapse as voters flocked to the Conservatives in many downtown ridings. As the only sitting NDP MP currently in the race, McPherson is positioning herself as a candidate who can reconnect with urban voters and broaden the party’s appeal nationwide.
She emphasized that expanding the NDP’s reach doesn’t mean diluting its values. “We don’t change our values,” she said. “But frankly, the NDP is a political party. The goal of a political party is to win. We need to get more NDP MPs elected because those MPs get things delivered for Canadians.” She made it clear that she isn’t running to finish second, citing former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s breakthrough victory as proof that progressive movements can win when they unite and communicate effectively. “We can make a lot of noise when we don’t win, but we can make a lot of change when we do win,” she said. Notley has formally endorsed McPherson’s leadership bid.
McPherson highlighted her track record of standing by her principles while building coalitions, pointing to her successful 2024 motion in Parliament calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to arms sales to Israel, and the recognition of Palestine — policies the federal government ultimately adopted. When asked whether her outspoken support for Palestine might hurt her chances in Toronto, especially in light of the city’s “bubble zone” bylaw aimed at curbing protests, McPherson was unfazed. “My whole career has been rooted in human rights, whether that’s in Canada or around the world. I don’t have an option, this is the right thing to do,” she said.
She attributed the party’s recent collapse to both external factors, such as voter fear of a Pierre Poilievre government, and internal shortcomings in communication and organization. She noted that many Canadians are focused on the cost of living and job security and said the party must become more disciplined in how it speaks to those concerns. Critics have argued that the NDP’s last campaign relied too heavily on Singh’s personal image rather than strong policy communication — a gap McPherson intends to close. She is currently working with progressive economists and policy experts on a platform with major announcements expected soon.
Internally, McPherson plans to strengthen regional organizing and local riding associations to rebuild the party from the ground up. Externally, she is promising a more assertive federal role in delivering results for cities like Toronto, particularly on housing. She said an NDP government would ensure that provincial governments do not obstruct federal funds meant for municipalities. Drawing from her experience in Alberta, she pointed to the failed use of federal funds for cleaning up orphan oil wells as an example of why stronger oversight is necessary.
As she continues her leadership campaign, McPherson is making clear that she intends to be present, listen closely, and deliver for Toronto and beyond. “I’m here and listening to Torontonians about what matters to them,” she said. With the leadership vote scheduled for March 2026, her candidacy signals a determined attempt to rebuild the party’s progressive foundation and return it to a position of national influence — not as a protest movement, but as a party that wins.